Heights Barbershoppers win excellent rating in international competition

Heights Barbershoppers at the January convention: Director Jesse Lange, Ted Byers, Grant Heineman, Garret Vandall, Michael Garrett, Andrew Pecoraro, William Aiken, Gerald Shazor, Orion Brock, Graham Ball, Akash Bartlett, Malcom White, Cody Radivoyevitch and Assistant Director Kim Sudduth.

The Men’s Barbershoppers, a Heights High vocal music group, sings old-time barbershop music with a bit of a modern flair. The a cappella music is in four-part harmony, and the performers use theatrical movements to accentuate the lyrics. In late January, the group attended the International Barbershop Harmony Society’s Mid-Winter Convention in Reno, Nev.

The convention drew top-notch barbershop groups—adults, college singers and other high school groups—from all over the globe. For high school attendees, the event offers exposure to seasoned and award-winning singers who can offer valuable feedback and both formal and informal instruction.

The Heights students attended master classes with experienced barbershoppers from Westminster Chorus, an international champion ensemble, and received feedback from judges during the competition. The Heights Barbershoppers earned a rating of Excellent for their performance of three songs.

Director Jesse Lange was very pleased with the students' performance on- and off-stage. “The boys really shined during the competitions," he said, "[They] appreciated and learned from the master classes, and are respectful and passionate about the music."